The Relationship between Childhood Trauma and Criminal BehaviorAnwar Mohammed Salem Zuqaili
Keywords:
Childhood trauma, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), criminal behavior, prison inmates, offendersAbstract
This study explores how childhood traumatic experiences contribute to the development of criminal behavior among offenders. Specifically, it identifies the types and most common forms of trauma experienced by offenders, examine their perceptions of this relationship, analyzes the pathways through which these experiences drive criminal conduct. Utilizing a qualitative phenomenological design, the study captures participants lived experiences and the meanings they assign to childhood trauma in relation to their offending. The target population comprised 15 male offenders from correctional and rehabilitation centers who had experienced childhood trauma. A purposive sampling technique was employed to select participants capable of providing rich, relevant insights. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews, allowing participants to describe their experiences freely while ensuring coverage of core research topics. Findings reveal that participants suffered multiple forms of childhood adversity, including emotional and physical abuse, neglect, domestic violence, parental separation, and household dysfunction. These experiences severely impaired emotional regulation, psychological well-being, and social behavior. Furthermore, participants reported that trauma led to heightened aggression, low self-esteem, substance abuse, impaired
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